Linker cell migration in C. elegans

描述（由申请人提供）： 迁移在形成生物体的身体计划中具有重要作用，但也是癌症转移过程的基础。虽然迁移的细胞生物学传统上是在体外研究的，但需要一个体内系统将此过程与发育和疾病联系起来。本研究将探讨单个细胞在C. elegans，使用遗传学和细胞生物学方法，目的是了解基因如何在分子途径中发挥作用，最终调节细胞生物学的迁移。具体而言，迁移的连接细胞（LC），这是在男性性腺迁移的领导细胞，将使用三种方法进行检查。将开发基于绿色荧光蛋白（GFP）的分子标记物，以在活体动物中检查LC、其周围的细胞外基质及其迁移时的细胞内极性。将使用RNAi文库进行筛选以鉴定参与LC迁移的基因。最后，通过使用上述分子标记和建立新的工具，如翻译报告，选定的基因和基因网络在调节细胞生物学迁移的功能将进行调查。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Migration has a vital function in forming the body plan of an organism and yet underlies the process of metastasis in cancer. Although the cell biology of migration has traditionally been studied in vitro, an in vivo system is required to relate this process to both development and disease. This study will investigate the migration of an individual cell in C. elegans, using both genetic and cell biological approaches, with the goal of understanding how genes function in a molecular pathway to ultimately regulate the cell biology of migration. Specifically, the migration of the linker cell (LC), which is the leader cell for gonad migration in the male, will be examined using three approaches. Molecular markers based on green fluorescent protein (GFP) will be developed to examine in live animals the LC, its surrounding extracellular matrix, and its intracellular polarity as it migrates. A screen using the RNAi library will be conducted to identify genes involved in LC migration. Finally, by using the molecular markers described above and building new tools, such as translational reporters, the function of selected genes and gene networks in regulating the cell biology of migration will be investigated.